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The Four Horsemen

The Discussion That Sparked an Atheist Revolution

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The Four Horsemen

By: Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel C. Dennett, Christopher Hitchens, Stephen Fry
Narrated by: Stephen Fry, Richard Dawkins, Daniel C. Dennett, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Known as the ‘four horsemen’ of New Atheism, these four big thinkers of the twenty-first century met only once. Their electrifying examination of ideas on this remarkable occasion was intense and wide-ranging. Everything that was said as they agreed and disagreed with one another, interrogated ideas and exchanged insights – about religion and atheism, science and sense – speaks with urgency to our present age.
Questions they asked of each other included: ‘Is it ever possible to win a war of ideas? Is spirituality the preserve of the religious? Are there any truths you would rather not know? Would you want to see the end of faith?’
The dialogue was recorded, and is now transcribed and presented here with new introductions from the surviving three horsemen.
With a sparkling introduction from Stephen Fry, it makes essential reading for all their admirers and for anyone interested in exploring the tensions between faith and reason.

©2019 Richard Dawkins (P)2019 Random House Audiobooks Agnosticism Biological Sciences Essays Evolution Evolution & Genetics Religious Studies Science

Critic Reviews

This transcript is of historical significance and belongs in the library of all thinking people. A classic for our time...and all time. (Michael Shermer, Publisher Skeptic magazine, monthly columnist Scientific American, Presidential Fellow Chapman University, author of Heavens on Earth, The Moral Arc, The Believing Brain, and Why People Believe Weird Things)
I have a short list of intellectual heroes, and Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and Daniel Dennett each have a place on it—not because I always agree with their views, but because I'm in awe of the way they form, express, and defend their views. If thinking were a sport, these four would be national superstars—and reading The Four Horsemen feels like having a front row seat at the all-star game. This is more than a book about atheism and religion—it's a lesson in how to use our intellect to cut through the haze of delusion and misconception inherent in any human society. (Tim Urban, author of the blog 'Wait But Why')
We are slowly losing the hard-won right, gained by brave heroes of the enlightenment such as Voltaire and Hume, to be free to criticise religion without persecution and prosecution; the crime of blasphemy is creeping back. The words of Hitchens, Dawkins, Harris and Dennett are needed more than ever. These are the heirs to Voltaire. (Matt Ridley, author of The Evolution of Everything)
I was gripped. Throughout this erudite conversation the humility and openness of science shines against religion’s arrogance, hypocrisy and sheer gall in just ‘making stuff up’. How refreshing it is. (Professor Susan Blackmore)
One to watch: electrifying (Caroline Sanderson)

What listeners say about The Four Horsemen

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Challenges conventional religious thinking without descending into caricature.

I found it informative, balanced, and thought-provoking, and appreciated the way the book challenges conventional religious thinking without descending into caricature. Each “Horseman” brings a distinct tone: Dawkins is methodical and scientific, Harris philosophical and clinical, Dennett quietly analytical, and Hitchens—always the orator—passionately confrontational.

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Stimulating, intelligent, honest and passionate

Loved it. I only wish it was possible for another edition. R.I.P Christopher Hitchens.
The interplay of these 4 like-minded but interestingly different intellects is fascinating

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1 person found this helpful

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4 geniuses

Do yourself a favour and enjoy a conversation and the reflection of four of our leading minds in the 21st century. I will re-listen to this over and over for the insight and self growth it ignites.

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Loved it but

Should be much much longer. I only gave it 4 stars for performance because the length of the book just doesn't cut it, it leaves you wanting more. Great book, well worth a download. RIP Christopher Hitchens.

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Excellent pow wow

I miss Hitch. Maybe Stephen Fry can fill in for him?
I wonder how different the discussion would be if they did a reboot today?

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Eye opening and balanced discussion of ideas.

Eye opening and balanced discussion of ideas. The gentlemen discuss the pros and cons of religion, with honest acceptance of what they do and don't know.

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Too short for $15.

You will enjoy this conversation if you have read their work. I will say however, you'd be better off finding YouTube videos on these men than spending you money here.

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4 people found this helpful

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Insightful

Brilliant to see how mature conversationalists can have an unmediated discussion about topics that they are passionate about, and yet maintain respect and genuine interest in each other’s opinions.

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Exactly what I expected it to be

Four very intelligent men come together to discuss a topic I'm passionate about. What more can I ask?

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Ego Trip

I kept asking myself what the purpose of the conversation was, and concluded that the whole time was spent as an egotistical exercise.
There was an absence of enquiry from each other, and nothing of substance was said.
It was a big disappointment for me, as I wanted to learn
from these experts.

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